Emma Raducanu said she will return to New York feeling calmer and more confident about herself and her prospects at the US Open than she has since she won the title there four years ago. She put together a brilliant performance against Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Monday, narrowly losing 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) after three hours and nine minutes.
Her impressive level was a reflection of the significant progress she has made in a positive summer on the North American hard courts.
“This is my first year on tour playing most of the calendar,” she said. “I had a tough start to the year and it was very difficult to change that. But in the last few months I’ve been building and the level has been increasing. The players I’m playing and losing to, they’re all top players so that gives me confidence.”
That confidence marks a significant contrast to Raducanu’s inconsistent presence on tour last year because of injuries and training blocks scheduled during the season. The 22-year-old did not compete for four weeks last year in the lead-up to the US Open, where she lost in the first round against Sofia Kenin.
“I went home and came back and it was a really difficult time in New York,” she said. “Since I won the tournament, it’s not been easy for me there. But this year I feel different, I’m a lot calmer behind the court.
“On the court, I take more confidence in the big moments. I’ve been playing those big points pretty well for the most part so I’m looking forward to having some time to practise, improve and then get ready to play there.”
Since becoming the first player to win a grand slam title from the qualifying tournament at the US Open, Raducanu has not won a match in New York. Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa have withdrawn from the tournament with injury, meaning Raducanu’s live ranking of No 34 would be enough for a seeding. But numerous players could still overtake her at the Cincinnati Open. Either way, her positive progress and form mean that few players would be keen to face her early in New York.
Sabalenka has stressed that she believes Raducanu is on the right path towards returning to the top 10: “Every tournament, I feel like she’s improving and getting better, and she definitely gonna get back into the top 10,” she said. “She’s moving well, she’s a smart player. She’s serving well, even though sometimes you can see where she’s going. But the speed, the spin is very difficult to adjust to. She’s basically doing everything [well].”
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Raducanu is next due to compete in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz next Tuesday and Wednesday during qualifying week in New York. The US Open begins a week on Sunday.